Social Interaction Face Mask

ABSTRACT

This present application relates to personal protective equipment, namely a face mask which allows an individual to engage in social activities without fully compromising the protection offered by the personal protective equipment. More specifically, the face mask has a moveable flap that may be secured in one of three different positions to permit the individual flexibility in using the face mask. The face mask may further have a hinged portion to allow for easily movement of the flap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/067,474, which was filed on Aug. 19, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of personal protection equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a social interaction face mask which provides protection for the wearer of the face mask, while also allowing the individual wearing the mask to enjoy social and other functional activities without having to completely remove the mask. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference to the presently described invention. However, it is to be appreciated that certain aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

During a pandemic or in other situations where respiratory difficulties may arise, such as in areas experiencing relatively high levels of pollution, dust storms, and outbreaks of influenza, colds, viruses and the like, people may elect to wear and, in some situations, may be required to wear, a mask or other face covering as part of a local mandate, law or ordinance. The face covering, face mask or the like, typically will cover the nose and mouth areas of the individual to serve as a filter or both the air being inhaled and exhaled. However, such face coverings typically prevent the individual wearer from being able to engage in certain social activities, and even in such basic functions as eating or drinking without completely removing the mask or, alternatively, lifting up the mask over one's nose or pulling down the mask below one's chin. Regardless of what the wearer does with the face mask or other covering, it is inconvenient to have to remove the mask and then reposition the mask after engaging in whatever everyday task may be at hand. In addition, the movement of the face mask up and down can cause additional irritation to the face and ears of the individual, as well as cause damage to the mask over time. Further, having to remove or reposition the entire mask each time causes unnecessary exposure of other portions of the wearer's face to potential contamination.

In lieu of a face mask, other people may elect to wear a different form of personal protection equipment (PPE), such as a face shield. A face shield is typically a transparent and somewhat rounded or curved shield that fully covers the face and bends back toward the ears of the individual. The face shield typically extends from the forehead area to down below the chin of the individual. Further, the face shield is normally held in place by a band or strap that surrounds the wearer's head, and that may be hinged so that the face shield can be raised and lowered as needed. Alternatively, the user must fully remove the face shield as one would when removing a hat to, for example, consume an article of food or a beverage. In either situation, the individual is left without a protective covering for any portion of their face that is left uncovered, which can in turn increase the risk of exposure of the individual to certain germs, bacteria, airborne pathogens and the like.

More specifically, having to completely remove a face mask or face shield exposes the individual to the very things he or she is attempting to avoid, and the individual may therefore be hesitant to completely remove his or her mask or shield. This, in turn, can create a conundrum for the individual when out at social activities where the opportunity for sampling different things from hors d'oeuvres to beverages may be available in addition to the requirement for social distancing and other safe practices.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved face mask system that will allow individuals to engage in social and other essential activities while at the same time permitting people to maintain a level of protection and convenience without having to fully remove the face mask in order to engage in the particular activity. There is also a long felt need in the art for a face mask or covering having a portion that is repositionable between a first position in which the entire mask is sealed, and a second position in which an opening in the mask is created to enable an individual to, for example, consume food or a beverage without removing the mask or covering. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved face mask that enables a user to more effectively communicate with others while wearing the mask, and in an ungarbled manner. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved face mask that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is safe and easy to use.

In this manner, the improved the improved face mask system of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and substantially departs from the concepts and designs of the conventional face masks and other personal protection equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention includes improvements to personal protective equipment, such as face masks, face coverings and the like. The improved face mask of the present invention may be used in certain social settings or in other crowded public spaces where it may be inconvenient for an individual to fully remove his or her face mask covering, and face potential scorn from others nearby. The personal protective equipment of the present invention provides the wearer with multiple functional options. For example, the wearer can use the face covering of the present invention as a fully usable face mask that completely covers the wearer's mouth and nose. Alternatively, the wearer can also use the repositionable flap of the present invention to uncover the wearer's mouth and/or nose, for example, to permit drinking or eating when the mouth is exposed, or testing for viruses or other ailments when the nose is exposed, without having to remove the entire mask and expose the rest of the wearer's face to potential contamination.

In one exemplary embodiment of the presently described invention, a face mask system is described and comprises a blank of material, with the material being both breathable and flexible. First and second bands are further provided and attached to the blank of material for holding the blank of material to the face of an individual. A flap is disposed over either of the mouth or nose, with the flap movable between at least a first position and second position, and a securement mechanism for holding the flap in one of the first and second positions.

In a yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a face mask is disclosed and includes the step of initially providing a face mask constructed from a blank of breathable and flexible material, and a flap disposed over one of the mouth or nose of the wearer. More specifically, the flap is movable between at least a first position and second position, and a securement mechanism is provided for holding the flap in one of the first and second positions, to suit the needs or preferences of the user. Next, the flap is repositioned from the first position to the second position and secured using the securement mechanism to create an opening in the face mask in the mouth and/or nose area of the wearer, thereby allowing the wearer to, for example, consume food or drink, receive a nasal test, blow his or her nose, etc., without having to remove the entire face mask. Finally, once the desired act has been performed, the wearer repositions the flap from the second position to the first position, thereby again completely covering the nose and mouth of the wearer.

In a still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a movable access panel for a face mask is disclosed and includes a breathable, relatively flexible material having first and second sides and first and second edges. A pair of ties with one set of ties secured to the first side of the flexible material, and a second set of ties secured to the second side of the flexible material is also provided. The movable access panel is disposed over an area of the material covering a mouth and/or nose of a wearer, wherein the moveable access panel has a securement feature, and is repositionable in one of a plurality of wearer selected positions.

By providing personal protective equipment as described in the present specification, a user is able to maintain his or her requirements of having a face covering while at the same time being able to engage in social activity or permit testing, which is currently conducted through the nasal cavity, without having to fully remove the protective covering. The configuration of the face mask includes not only a fully secured position wherein the face mask covers both the nose and mouth, but also two semi-open positions, one in which the flap is down and unsecured to allow tasting, drinking or testing, and the second in which the flap is secured in an open position to allow the user to eat a meal without having to constantly open and close the flap of the protective face mask.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an individual wearing one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask of the present invention, wherein the repositionable flap of the face mask is in a first partially opened position to enable the individual to consume a beverage;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask of the present invention, wherein the flap may be flipped downward to enable the wearer to consume a beverage or a food;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask of the present invention, wherein the flap may be flipped upward to enable the wearer to be tested through a nasal passageway;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an individual wearing one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask of the present invention, wherein the repositionable flap of the face mask is in a first partially opened position to enable the individual to speak unimpededly;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of an individual wearing one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask of the present invention, wherein the repositionable flap of the face mask is in a first partially opened position; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an individual wearing one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask of the present invention, wherein the repositionable flap of the face mask is in a fully closed position to essentially cover the individual's mouth and nose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved face mask that allows individuals to engage in social and other essential activities while at the same time wearing a face mask. There is also a long felt need in the art for a face mask or covering having a portion that is repositionable between a first position in which the entire mask is sealed, a second position in which an opening in the mask is created to enable an individual to, for example, consume food or a beverage without removing the mask or covering, and a third position in which the mask is only opened in the area immediately adjacent to the wearer's nose. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved face mask that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is safe and easy to use.

The personal protective equipment of the present invention relates to face masks which are intended to be worn over the nose and mouth to help prevent the individual from becoming ill when exposed to viruses, bacteria, debris, pollutants and other irritants that may cause the individual wearer to become sick or suffer other respiratory ailments. The face mask of the present invention may be either washable and as such reusable, or may alternatively be a disposable mask limited to a few uses or a single use. The personal protective equipment uses a movable flap which may be positioned in a plurality of different positions depending on the needs and preferences of the user. In a number of said positions, the individual wearer can eat, drink, receive treatment and/or be tested.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 10 wearing one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask 100 of the present invention, wherein the repositionable flap 114 of the face mask 100 is in a first partially opened position to enable the individual 10 to consume a beverage 16. More specifically, the face mask 100 has a body portion comprised of first edge 101, a second edge 103, a first side 105, a second side 107 (see FIG. 2), and a continuous opening 106 that extends between the first side 105 and the second side 107. In the first or closed position, mask 100 is meant to cover the mouth 12 and nose 14 of the individual 10, and is typically attached to the individual's ears 15. More specifically, in the first or closed position, a repositionable flap 114 is positioned adjacent the second side 107 of the mask 100, and completely covers the opening 106. Flap 114 is secured to the body portion along an edge 109, and is generally free along the other edges of the flap (again, see FIG. 2). Movement of the flap 114 along the edge 109, which essentially functions like a hinge, reveals the opening 106 by which an individual 10 can eat or drink or, if the mask is in the alternate configuration as shown in FIG. 3, then the nose 14 of the individual 10 is uncovered allowing the individual 10 to be tested, such as by using a nasal swab. Additionally, and by way of example, when the flap 114 is in one of the open positions, thereby exposing the mouth 12 of the individual 10 via the opening 106, a dental technician, dentist, orthodontist, etc., can then conduct cleanings and other procedures without requiring the individual 10 to fully remove the innovative mask 100 of the present invention.

The face mask 100 may be made from any woven or non-woven materials. For example, a reusable and washable face mask 100 may be made of soft fabrics, such as those made from natural fibers like cotton, silk, chiffon, or satin, or blends of natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton and polyester and other cotton blends. Natural fibers ideally would have a thread count of at least 600 threads per inch, and would filter out more than 80% of particles. Disposable face masks 100 may be made from materials such as non-woven polypropylene, spandex, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask 100 of the present invention, wherein the flap 114 may be flipped downward to enable the individuals 100 to consume a beverage 16 or food. More specifically, the first strap 102 and second strap 104 are attached to the side edges 101, 103 respectively to form a loop that may be attached to an individual's ear 15, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, so that the face mask 100 may be held in place over the face of the individual 10. Each of straps 102, 104 may be relatively flexible, such as an elastic material, or may be simply sized and configured to fit over the ears of the user based on whether the individual is an adult or child. In either embodiment, the straps 102, 104 should be relatively soft to the touch, or covered with a soft material, so that the straps 102, 104 do not cause irritation to the individual 10 when wearing the face mask 100 of the present invention for prolonged periods of time.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the body portion and flap 114 of the face mask 100 of the present invention is further comprised of a plurality of spaced apart securements 120, 122, 124 and 126. The particular securement devices that are used may vary depending on the manufacturer and/or the preferences of the individual 10 but may include a hook and loop system, a snap, clasp, magnet, button, zipper, adhesive or combinations thereof. The securements 120, 122 positioned on the flap 114 include a first feature, for example where a hook and loop combination is used. The first feature may be a hook and the second feature 124, 126, positioned on the body portion, may be a loop. Likewise, where a button or snap is used, a button may be the first feature, and the second feature may be the buttonhole. Likewise, the snap may be the male snap portion, as the first feature and the second feature being the female portion.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, there may be multiple rows of securements on either the flap 114 or the body portion to enable the repositionable flap 114 to be attached to the body portion in a variety of different positions. For example, the securement devices depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 show one set of the securement devices 126 positioned along an edge 108 of the face mask 100, which are used when the flap 114 is in the fully closed or first position; meaning that the flap 114 is positioned immediately adjacent to the second side 107 of the face mask 100 and fully covering the mouth 12 and nose 14 of the individual 10. However, a second set or row of securement devices 124 may be positioned closer to, or midway along, the opening 106 so that the flap 114 only covers a portion of the opening 106, thereby allowing the individual 10 to engage in activities such as speaking unencumbered, eating, drinking, receiving dental care, etc. The adjustability and flexibility of the flap 114 and the presence of securement devices 124, 126 at different locations along the body portion add to the convenience and functionality of the personal protective equipment face mask 100. Further, it is also contemplated that the securement devices 124, 126 on the body portion or the securement devices 120, 122 on flap 114 may themselves be removably attachable and repositionable to allow the individual 10 to customize the various positions of the flap 114 relative to the body portion, which may easily include more than three positions. The opening 106 preferably has a length and a width of between 32 mm and 77 mm, with about 48 mm being preferred. The size and shape as shown in the various FIGS. is generally square. However, the opening 106 may also be rectangular, circular or any other shape, size or configuration that suits user need and/or preference.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask 100 of the present invention, wherein the flap 114 may be flipped upward to enable the individual 10 to be tested through a nasal passageway in the nose 14. More specifically, the mask 100 may be flipped over so that the flap 114 will open upwardly versus downwardly as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the flap 114 may further comprise indicia 160 such as words, trademarks, graphics or the like. For example, the flap 114 may say “Open” or “Closed”, may have a smiley face, or logo of a favorite team, etc. While the indicia 160 is shown on the inside portion of the flap 114, it should be understood that the indicia 160 may also be provided on the outside of the flap 114. The indicia 160 may also be used to display warnings, such as “Stay Back”, or the indicia 160 on the outside of the flap 114 could be complimentary to the indicia 160 provided on the inside of the flap 114, such as a graphic showing a closed mouth on the outside and an open mouth on the inside when the flap 114 is open, to alert people that the individual 10 is in the process of eating or drinking, and is not fully protected, so the parties should maintain some level of appropriate social distancing.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 10 wearing one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask 100 of the present invention, wherein the repositionable flap 114 of the face mask 100 is in a first partially opened or second position to enable the individual to speak clearly and without impediment, eat, drink or the like, but where the individual's nose remains covered. More specifically, in this partially opened position, the flap 114 hangs downwardly from the face mask 100, thereby exposing at least a portion of the opening 106 over the individual's mouth 12 to enable the user to drink, eat, talk on the phone or engage in other activities unimpededly and without having to fully remove the face mask 100 and expose the remainder of the face and nose 14 of the individual 10 to contamination. Additionally, recall from above that the repositionable flap 114 may also be configured to cover the mouth 12 of the individual 10 but not the nose 14 to enable the individual 10 to, for example, receive a nasal swab without having to fully remove the face mask 100 and expose the remainder of the face and mouth 12 of the individual 10 to contamination. In either embodiment, once the opening 106 is no longer needed by the individual 10, the individual may reposition the flap 114 to the fully closed position, as best shown in FIG. 6, and secure the flap 114 in the closed position by the combination of securement devices 120, 122, 124 and 126. In this position, the flap 114 remains attached to the face mask 100 along a single edge which effectively acts as a hinge between the flap 114 and the body portion of the face mask 100 to cover or reveal the opening 106.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of an individual 10 wearing one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask 100 of the present invention, wherein the repositionable flap 114 of the face mask 100 is in a first partially opened position. In this way, the flap 114 may remain open for longer periods of time, such as when the individual 10 is enjoying a meal. Many jurisdictions may have different requirements during a pandemic, which range from not wearing a mask in public, to only being able to remove the face mask when eating, etc. By allowing the user to select different positions (e.g., closed, open, partially opened, open and secured, etc.), the individual 10 can then easily comply with the local requirements for personal protective equipment while still enjoying some sense of normalcy in their daily rituals. Of course, it should be understood that if the nose area is to be exposed, such as for testing and/or use of a nasal swab, then the flap 114 may be raised up toward the bridge of the nose 14 to allow access to the nasal passages while at the same time continuing to cover the mouth 12 of the individual 10. In this way, the face mask 100 still provides some level of protection to the individual 10 and to the medical technician conducting the test.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 10 wearing one potential embodiment of the social interaction face mask 100 of the present invention, wherein the repositionable flap 114 of the face mask 100 is in a fully closed position to essentially cover the individual's mouth 12 and nose 14. More specifically, FIG. 6 shows the face mask 100 with the flap 114 in the fully closed position and secured to the body of the face mask by a plurality of first and second features of the securement devices 120, 122, 124 and 126. The closure of the flap 114 over the face mask 100 is tight enough so that exhaled air does not readily escape, and is filtered by the flap 114. At the very least, any exhaled or inhaled pathogens are likely blocked as they would have to follow a difficult path in attempting to reach the mouth 12 or nose 14 of the individual 10. That is, airborne particles would have to travel around the edges of the flap 114 to enter the opening 106 covered thereby, which is unlikely as particles, bacteria, viruses and the like typically travel in the relatively linear direction that they were initially travelling in or propelled, save for gravity.

There are multiple benefits to having a face mask 100 that can be used in at least three positions, and provides an opening 106 over either of the nose 14 or mouth 12 of the individual 10 permits the individual 10 to adhere to local mandates and regulations, and avoids the difficulty in continuing to remove the face mask 100 and then remembering to put the mask on again. This then resolves the issue of the individual forgetting the mask 100, for example, at the table of a restaurant after having a meal. In addition, the face mask 100 of the present invention allows the individual 10 to continue wearing the mask 100 during, for example, dental visits, testing, speaking on the phone and other activities where a face mask otherwise obscures or prevents the activity from occurring.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “personal protective equipment” and “face mask” are interchangeable and refer to improved personal protective equipment of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the face mask 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the face mask 100 and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes, configurations and materials are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A face mask system comprising: a blank of material, the material being both breathable and flexible; a first band and a second band for holding the blank of material to a face of an individual; a flap disposed over one of the individual's mouth or nose, the flap repositionable between at least a first position and second position; and a securement for holding the flap in a select one of the first and second positions.
 2. The face mask system of claim 1, wherein the first position is a closed position and the second position is an open position.
 3. The face mask system of claim 1, wherein the flap is repositionable to a third position, wherein the flap only covers a select one of the individual's nose or mouth.
 4. The face mask system of claim 1, wherein the blank of material has a first side and a second side.
 5. The face mask system of claim 4, wherein the second side faces the nose of the individual.
 6. The face mask system of claim 4, wherein an indicia is provided on at least one of the first and second sides.
 7. The face mask system of claim 1, wherein the face mask is made from one of a woven or a non-woven material.
 8. The face mask system of claim 1, wherein the securement is one of a hook and loop system, a snap, a clap, a magnet, a button, a zipper, an adhesive or a combination thereof.
 9. The face mask system of claim 8, wherein the adhesive is one of a removable, a repositionable or a resealable type of adhesive.
 10. The face mask system of claim 1, wherein the flap is connected to the blank of material along a first edge of the flap.
 11. A method of using a face mask comprising the steps of: providing a face mask constructed from a blank of a breathable and flexible material and a flap disposed over one of a mouth or a nose, the flap movable between at least a first position and a second position, and a securement for holding the flap in one of the first and second positions; moving the flap from the first position to the second position; and securing the flap with the securement.
 12. The method as recited in claim 11, including a further step of securing the flap over one of the nose or mouth with the securement.
 13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the securement is one of a hook and loop system, a snap, a clasp, a magnet, a button, a zipper, an adhesive or a combination thereof.
 14. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the flap substantially covers the mouth and the nose when in the first position.
 15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the step of securing is one of securing the flap over one the nose and the mouth or securing the flap in a third position wherein one of the nose or the mouth remains exposed.
 16. An accessible face mask comprising: a flexible material having a first side, a second side, a first edge and a second edge; at least two pairs of ties, wherein a first pair of said at least two pairs of ties is secured to the first side and a second pair of said at last two pairs of ties is secured to the second side; and a movable access panel disposed over an area of the flexible material covering a mouth of a wearer, wherein the moveable access panel comprises a securement feature, and further wherein the movable access panel is repositionable between a first position, a second position and a third position.
 17. The accessible face mask as recited in claim 16, wherein in the first position, the movable access panel completely covers the mouth and the nose of the wearer.
 18. The accessible face mask as recited in claim 16, wherein the securement feature is one of a hook and loop system, a snap, a clasp, a magnet, a button, a zipper, an adhesive or a combination thereof.
 19. The accessible face mask as recited in claim 16, wherein in the second position, the movable access panel does not cover the mouth or the nose of the wearer.
 20. The accessible face mask as recited in claim 16, wherein in the third position, the movable access panel completely covers one of the mouth or the nose, but not both the mouth and the nose. 